The site occupies much of the eastern boundary of Rufford Country Park and has been set aside principally for nature conservation.The site comprises a stretch of the Gallow Hole Dyke that flows into the southern end of the site and out at its northern end, and a series of interconnecting ponds and islands. A second aquatic input to the wetland system results from a diversion of the Gallow Hole Dyke through the adjacent golf course and re-joining of the main course of the dyke on the eastern boundary of the site.The site supports a range of aquatic, emergent and marginal species as well as semi-improved grassland, rough unimproved grassland, secondary mixed deciduous woodland, a small area of yew wood, immature planted areas and mature individual trees.
A wetland area has been created in the south-eastern corner of the site, its water supply coming from the Gallow Hole Dyke. A number of construction and habitat creation projects have been completed, including the construction of pond dipping platforms and the erection of low fencing and new shrub planting.The site is known to support Water Voles, and provides breeding habitat for a range of waterfowl.
To the northern end of the site Gallow Hole Dyke widens out and three islands have been created along the site’s western boundary. To the west of the islands is the main Rufford Lake that is not considered by this plan. A footpath and bridges link the islands. This footpath is surfaced but a series of more informal footpaths exist, mainly around the south east wetland area.
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